Three decades after beginning its iconic journey of debauchery and decadence, Mötley Crüe has announced plans to invade Las Vegas with the city’s first-ever hard rock residency: Mötley Crüe In Sin City. The world’s most notorious band will he heading to the world’s most notorious citywhere they will performan extended run–starting February 3 through 19, 2012–at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Saturday, December 3 at www.motley.com, www.thejointlasvegas.com, www.ticketmaster.com and the venue box office. VIP seating and packages will also be available. The shows are produced by AEG Live.

2012’s MÖTLEY CRÜE IN SIN CITY show is sure to leave the loud impression that what happens in Vegas will be heard around the world. Vocalist VINCE NEIL, guitarist MICK MARS, bassist NIKKI SIXX and drummer TOMMY LEE have big plans for MÖTLEY CRÜE IN SIN CITY to create a never-been-done before and incredibly interactive Vegas experience. Exact details about the show—expected to supersede the band’s high standard of production—are being kept under wraps for now to keep an element of surprise for fans. The engagement falls during a holiday-packed time in the calendar year: Super Bowl Sunday,Valentine’s Day and President’s Day.

Last night the band officially announced the news on CNN’s “Piers Morgan Tonight.” Watch the full hour-long interview with Tommy Lee, Vince Neil, Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars tonight at 9pmET/PT.

“It is a dream come true for me especially living in and loving Las Vegas,” says singer Vince Neil. “I am thrilled that a guy like Piers Morgan would help kick it off!” Adds drummer Tommy Lee, “I don’t know about you, but when I think of Mötley Crüe I think of filthy sex, drugs, a REALLY big show and way too much fun… sounds like Las Vegas doesn’t it? A match made in heaven!!!”

“We are very excited to announce our upcoming partnership with legendary rockers Mötley Crüe,” said Paul Davis, vice president of entertainment at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. “The one-of-a-kind production will be the most unique, interactive, fan-driven concert experience the band has ever created. Mötley Crüe is a perfect fit for the Hard Rock and we can’t wait for this unforgettable residency to begin!”

Adds Bobby Reynolds, Vice President of Booking for AEG Live Las Vegas, “We’re thrilled that Mötley Crüe is creating their most notorious show ever and bringing it to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in notorious Las Vegas. This concert experience is going to represent what the fans love most about Mötley Crüe, the Hard Rock and Las Vegas: good times, rock n’ roll and a stage show like no one has ever seen before!”

Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, the quartet—Vince Neil (vocals), Mick Mars (guitars), Nikki Sixx (bass) and Tommy Lee (drums)—has commandeered the rock pantheon for over 30 years. In that time, they have accumulated worldwide album sales exceeding 80 million, seven platinum or multi-platinum albums, 22 Top 40 mainstream rock hits, six Top 20 pop singles, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, three Grammy nominations for Best Hard Rock Performance, a New York Times bestselling memoir, and countless sold out gigs across the globe, playing to millions of fans.

About The Joint

The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is a 4,000-person capacity venue that serves as a sophisticated, intimate and unparalleled destination. The Joint features seven Luxury Suites, a VIP Studio Level, state-of-the-art sound system, superior video system and a production package tailor-made for artist comfort. It has received numerous accolades including “Best Concert Venue” in Las Vegas Review-Journal’s “Best of Las Vegas” awards in 2010 and 2011, “No. 1 Hottest Club in America” award by Billboard Magazine in 2011, “Best New Major Concert Venue” at the 2010 Pollstar Awards, and “Best Live Music Venue” in AOL City’s Best 2010 awards. The Joint delivers unforgettable live music experiences with an ongoing roster of legendary artists taking its stage including the first rock ‘n’ roll residency in Las Vegas with Carlos Santana’s Supernatural Santana: A Trip Through the Hits, Paul McCartney, The Killers, Bon Jovi, Kenny Chesney, Arcade Fire, Motley Crüe, Avenged Sevenfold, Alice in Chains, Paramore, Muse, Drake and No Doubt. In 2011, the venue welcomed Tiësto In Concert, a groundbreaking live show created exclusively for The Joint featuring the world’s No. 1 electronic DJ and producer Tiësto. For additional information, call 702.693.5583 or 702.693.5000. HardRockHotel.com / TheJointLasVegas.com. Keep up with the latest updates on The Joint via Facebook and Twitter.

About AEG Live

AEG Live, the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, is dedicated to all aspects of live contemporary music performance. AEG Live is comprised of touring, festival, exhibition, broadcast, merchandise and special event divisions, fifteen regional offices and owns, operates or exclusively books thirty-five state-of-the-art venues. The current and recent concert tour roster includes artists such as Taylor Swift, The Black Eyed Peas, Bon Jovi, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry, Justin Bieber, Leonard Cohen, Wisin & Yandel, Kenny Chesney, P!nk and Paul McCartney. The company is also currently producing residency shows in Las Vegas including Celine Dion and Rod Stewart, and beginning December 2012, Shania Twain at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace as well as Barry Manilow at Paris Las Vegas. Our exhibition portfolio boasts the most successful exhibition of all time, Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, which has attracted more than 7 million visitors since 2005. AEG Live is also the largest producer of music festivals in North America from the critically acclaimed Coachella Music & Arts Festival to Stagecoach and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. www.aeglive.com

Motley Crue singer Vince Neil will plead guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, pay a $1,000 fine and avoid trial on allegations that he poked his ex-girlfriend in a confrontation last March at a Las Vegas resort lounge, his lawyer said Monday.

A more serious misdemeanor charge of battery constituting domestic violence will be dropped against Neil when the 50-year-old rocker enters his plea next Monday in Las Vegas Justice Court, defense attorney David Chesnoff. He said the allegation of physical contact would be dismissed.

“Mr. Neil is sorry he raised his voice,” Chesnoff said.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal first reported Monday that Clark County District Attorney David Roger also confirmed the agreement.

Roger did not immediately respond to messages from The Associated Press.

Neil, who lives in Las Vegas, could have faced up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine if convicted on each charge.

He was accused of poking the chest of Las Vegas entertainment reporter Alicia Jacobs in a casino comedy club March 24, and of cursing and pointing at Jacobs and two friends sitting with her.

Jacobs told the AP she was glad Neil was taking responsibility for his actions.

“I’m glad the story is over and the book is closed,” she said.

Jacobs had told police she received a bruise from the finger-poke, which she said came just weeks she and Neil ended a seven-month relationship. Jacobs has previously given her age to reporters and police as 39 and 45. She declined Monday to correct her age.

The two other people named as victims in the confrontation, Wayne Newton’s sister-in-law and publicist Patricia McCrone, 41, and Las Vegas Sun entertainment columnist John Katsilometes, 45, said they were glad the case was being resolved.

Neil is the front man for a four-member heavy metal band known for bad behavior, hard partying, famous girlfriends and hard-driving hits from the late 1980s like “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Dr. Feelgood.”

He also owns tattoo shops and two bars in Las Vegas, including one at the Las Vegas Hilton where the Shimmer Cabaret comedy club confrontation took place.

Neil served 10 days in the Clark County jail in February for driving drunk in his black Lamborghini in June 2010 near the Las Vegas Strip. He also was fined $585 and ordered to serve 15 days on house arrest as part of a plea deal that avoided trial in that case.

I have been saving up a good rant for Mr. Vince Neil since his performance at M3 in Baltimore last June. I decided to let it go unless he does something truly stupid again. I try to give Vince Neil the benefit of the doubt. I do this as Motley Crue has long been one of my favorite bands. Unlucky for me, Vince Neil is an easy target, and his random stupidity seems to be happening much more frequently as of late. I find it impossible not to talk about Vince, or his recent behavior. After my friend Kenny Ozz posted the video below on facebook, I felt inspired to post my previously averted rant.

Last June, I looked forward to seeing Vince Neil’s solo band at M3. The whole day at M3 was super hot but overall it was a great time. All of the band’s were starting on time, which allowed fans to take in bands at both stages. Then Vince Neil’s set started late and screwed up the rest of the schedule at M3. Vince Neil was so BAD at M3 that many people migrated over to the second stage to watch Nelson perform. To me, it honestly sounded like the band didn’t rehearse before their performance. Once again, Vince forgot half his lyrics, YES the same Motley Crue lyrics that he jibber jabbers through at most of the Motley Crue shows.

It wasn’t much longer after M3, that Vince Neil got busted for a DUI.

Learning this news truly pissed me off. You would think Mr. Neil would have learned something after he killed Hanoi Rocks drummer Razzle in a drunken driving accident in 1984. I guess the memory of this accident is in the same place in his brain as Motley Crue’s lyrics. December 8th was the anniversary of Razzle’s death, and clearly Vince has no remorse over this accident.

After a little bit of digging, I discovered that he has also been nailed for a DUI in 2007. You can view the mug shots courtesy of The Smoking Gun below.

Vince Neil 2007 MugshotVince Neil 2010 Mugshot

If you look at the picture of Vince I took at M3 (below), you will notice that he is wearing the same necklace in his 2010 mugshot.

Vince Neil at M3 2010

In the video below, he is clearly inebriated and is showing getting behind the wheel of a car.

Clearly, Vince Neil has a problem with alcoholism, and has no common sense to not get in a car and drive when drinks. If you live in Las Vegas, beware, the next person Vince kills could be you! I am really disgusted with Vince Neil. He can’t sing his songs live, and clearly has no conscience when it comes to drinking and driving. In 2010, He ice skates about as good as he sings. He is making a mockery out of Motley Crue, with all of his shoddy performances. Motley Crue could be a mega band, but with Vince Neil as a singer, they never will be. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, but Vince has had countless chances to get his shit together.

The average person knows better than to not drink and drive. Vince Neil has previously been charged we vehicular manslaughter, and still continues to drink and drive. Why does the judicial system keep letting Vince Neil get off free? How many more people does he have to hurt or kill, before they will take note of his indiscretions?

Once upon a time, Vince Neil even did a Service Announcement for Drinking and Driving (See below). He must have forgotten about this too.

It is clearly time for Vince Neil to lose his license and hire a driver. If he can’t get his act together, it may be time to for Motley Crue to hunt down a new singer. I hear John Corabi is available.

Let me preface this post by stating that I am a Vince Neil fan as well as a fan of Motley Crue. The reason I am so critical of Vince (and all of the Crue for that matter) is because I expect only the best from my favorite hard rockers. If you are not going to give your fans only the best, why even bother?

With that in mind, let’s examine this year’s M3 Festival at a 30,000 foot view. From the time Jetboy went on at high noon until the time Kix got off the stage at 6:00 PM, everything had run like a well-oiled machine. I had timed the final acts perfectly. Vince Neil would come on at 6:15 and play until 7:15. Nelson was on the second stage from 7:00 – 7:40. Cinderella was scheduled to play from 7:40 – 8:40, Warrant from 8:40 – 9:40 (on the second stage) and then the Scorpions would close things out.

I had everything timed perfectly, which is necessary when planning how to see all the performers at such a fast moving festival. I would watch Vince until 6:55, run up the hill to see Nelson, get back in time for Cinderella, mad dash it up the hill for Warrant, and be back for The Scorpions. It was possible that I would miss one song of each performer (except Cinderella, because there was no way that I was leaving their set early), but that would be all right.

As I mentioned, the festival was running like clockwork and every band came out at their scheduled time. No band was even one minute late. And then it came time for Vince Neil to take the stage. At 6:15 I sat in my seat and waited for the announcer to scream Vince’s name. At 6:20, I was still waiting to hear that announcement. By 6:25, I thought it was a little odd that Vince had not taken the stage yet. By 6:35, I was thinking, “What the hell?” Finally, at 6:35, Vince took the stage. And when he did, it was a joke. The smoke from the smoke machines (the only act to use one – come on Vince, 1983 was almost 30 years ago) overwhelmed the stage and no one could be seen, not even Vince when he finally came out. In typical Vince fashion he performed old Crue songs, singing every third or fourth word and holding the microphone out to the crowd to sing most of the lyrics.

I’m sorry Vince I thought you were there to perform for us, my bad. As mentioned, I left Vince to see Nelson (I wasn’t the only one – several people tweeted that they were doing the same thing) and was glad to have done so. Nelson came on right at 7 and performed to exactly 7:40. They were exceptional in their timing, just like every other band on the bill. Vince’s performance ended at almost 7:30. So now, while the second stage was still on schedule, the main stage was screwed. After Nelson, I went down to see Cinderella, but thanks to fat Vince being late and messing up the schedule, Cinderella was not able to come on at 7:40 sharp. It was closer to 8 by the time they got on. When they got off it was after 9 and I had to run up to see Warrant, but I had missed most of their set. If Vince Neil could have taken the stage in a timely manner, this problem would not have occurred.

Instead I missed most of Warrant, heading back to see the Scorpions who did not come on stage until after 10 due to the schedule being pushed back. Is Vince so arrogant that he thinks it’s ok to single handedly screw up the precise timing of a festival? Every other performer came out on time and was cognizant of the other acts. Not Vince, he gave them all the proverbial middle finger and pretty much gave it to the fans too. Thanks Vince. I’ll remember that next time you come around in concert. I’ll be late too, by not buying tickets.

By now, anyone who is unfamiliar with Vince Neil should put on their long sleeve turtleneck shirt and head out to their chess club tournament. Motley Crue can boast having the flamboyant, colorful and yes, vocally talented Vince Neil fronting their band going on three decades strong. So what is Vince Neil to do, since he has more than likely seen, heard and tasted it all? Make another solo album of course! After two previous solo studio albums and one live release, Vince Neil is not out to reinvent the Rock ‘N’ Roll wheel with Tattoos & Tequila… instead he is presenting an album to us, the fans, that is chock full of songs that apparently have influenced Vince Neil over his storied Hard Rockin’ career.

Vince Neil sounds as flamboyant and spirited as ever on his new album, exercising the knack for making these cover songs come to life in a fun and good times way. Cover songs can sometimes lead to the land of yawn… not quite so with Tattoos & Tequila, (to be released on Frontiers Records, June 22, 2010). Then again, what more could I have expected from Vince Neil? His voice alone sets the tone that I’m listening to some real deal Hard Rock, as only an Old School legend could deliver. Tattoos & Tequila may not go down as being the best album of 2010, still I will have it nailed down as one of the most fun and cool albums to listen to this year.

If life is about song and song is about life, then Vince Neil is telling his story, his way, through Tattoos & Tequila. A Rock ‘N’ Roll lifestyle that covers thirty years can be quite the impressive and roller coaster story, Vince Neil gives his fans a peek into his, through songs that may actually surprise you. “Viva Las Vegas” is one song I never gave a second thought to when it comes to Hard Rock or Heavy Metal and obviously Vince Neil has! Originally recorded by the late and ever legendary Elvis Presley, “Viva Las Vegas” is taken to harder and heavier heights like never before.

“Bitch Is Back” Rocks period… for Elton John intended so. Vince Neil just adds his trademark vocals and with a scorching band behind him, “Bitch Is Back” is just that… back! “Who Will Stop The Rain” is a Creedence Clearwater Revival classic of classics. Vince Neil sings this song with convincing reverence, I can’t help but salute the way this great song has been covered by Vince and his band. I will readily admit, that Jeff “Blando” Bland on guitar is a treat to listen to throughout this entire album. Dana Strum on bass and Zoltan Chaney on drums more than add the utmost credibility to every song on this album.

If there is to be that one cover song on Tattoos & Tequila that just explodes with instant relevance and pumped up Hard Rock thunder, it’s “Long Cool Woman”. Vince Neil gives The Hollies the greatest compliment for their song, by adding to it more raw emotion and just making it a hit once again. I wonder aloud to myself, at just how important it is to have a musical mind like Jack Blades at your side in producing an album of any Rock genre. Vince Neil and Jack Blades obviously clicked together, in making songs like “Long Cool Woman” very cool again in 2010.

Tattoos & Tequila uncoils twelve songs, ten covers and two new tracks. The two new songs are “Tattoos & Tequila” and “Another Bad Day”. “Tattoos & Tequila” is by far, the heaviest song on this album, with a large dose of Hard Rock relevance, Vince Neil impresses with his vocals, as so too his band. “Another Bad Day” is an up-tempo power ballad that radiates hints of Motley Crue from every angle and glistens with all the specialness of late 1980’s Arena Rock splendor. In my Metal opinion, “Another Bad Day” is a hit, a song that I have admittedly hit the repeat play button for numerous times over.

Originally written by Nikki Sixx, “Another Bad Day” just missed the cut for making it onto the Motley Crue album – “New Tattoo”, released in 2000. Vince Neil definitely made the right Rock ‘N’ Roll move to bring this song to light a decade later and deliver it to the fans… straight from the heart.

After repeated listens to Tattoos & Tequila, it would have been great if Vince Neil had added a couple more new songs to this album. With that said, it is apparent that there is some motivation within Vince Neil to come up with new solo material, let’s hope the future may dictate a full length studio album of just that, from this Heavy Music icon.

Life long Motley Crue fans, Hair Metal, Hard Rock and 1980’s mainstream Heavy Metal fans should easily absorb their ears into Tattoos & Tequila and walk away with a big grin on their face. It would not surprise me in the least, if Vince Neil recruits many new fans to his music and persona due to Tattoos & Tequila. This is an album that tantalizes with new material and dominates with enticing cover songs… while making the loud impression that Vince Neil is a true fan of Rock Music’s roots.

anticipated by the digital only release of the title track single on April 16th.

Napoli, April 2010 – MOTLEY CRUE singer Vince Neil upcoming solo album “Tattoos and Tequila” has been signed by Frontiers Records for release on June 4thin Europe. The album’s title track will be released as a digital download and will be available April 16th in Europe at all digital shops. The music video along with the single was made available for download on www.vinceneil.net earlier this year, but now it can also be seen on the Frontiers Records Youtube channel following this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PfWPtAsIF8

Vince Neil recorded the new album in the winter of 2009 together with his band, formed by bassist Dana Strum, guitarist Jeff Blando (both of Slaughter) and drummer Zoltan Chaney. The album will include 2 new songs: “Tattoos and Tequila” and “Another Bad Day” both produced by Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Def Leppard etc), plus a selection of classic cuts from some of the Rock giants that have influenced Vince Neil throughout his musical career. The cover songs were produced by Vince and Jack Blades (Damn Yankees, Night Ranger).

In a recent interview Vince Neil stated: “This album has nothing to do with Motley Crue, Tattoos and Tequila is basically my life” and definitely the new record shows a new, yet familiar side of Vince’s abilities.

As frontman for Mötley Crüe, Vince Neil came to exemplify all things rock and roll: the sound, the look, the outrageous lifestyle. Neil’s unmistakable voice leads some of the greatest rock songs of this generation including “Shout At The Devil,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart,” “Same Ol Situation,” and the recent “Saints of Los Angeles,” which was nominated for a Grammy Award in early 2009 for Best Hard Rock Performance.

As a solo artist, Vince’s Top 200 Billboard albums, Exposed (which reached number 13 on the Billboard Albums chart) and Carved In Stone have spurred the hits “You’re Invited (But Your Friend Can’t Come)” (co-written by Neil with Jack Blades and Tommy Shaw), “Can’t Have Your Cake” (co-written by Neil with Steve Stevens) and “Sister Of Pain” (co-written by Neil with Jack Blades and Tommy Shaw).

When he is not performing or raising money for charity (the foundation founded as a tribute to Vince’s daughter Skylar whom he lost to cancer in 1995, to date has raised over $2 million to help combat childhood cancer), Neil is also an accomplished businessman overseeing his latest entrepreneurial efforts which include Feelgoods Rock Bar and Grill in West Palm Beach and most recently in Las Vegas; Vince Neil Ink, a Las Vegas based body art shop; Tres Rios tequila and Vince Neil Aviation.

The CD was recorded with bassist Dana Strum and Jeff Blando (both of Slaughter) and drummer Zoltan Chaney.

At least two cover tracks were reportedly laid down during the recording sessions – Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Who’ll Stop The Rain” and Sex Pistols’ “No Feelings”.

The “Tattoos & Tequila” title track which was written & produced by Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Def Leppard Ozzy Osbourne) and the accompanying video are available for free download at www.vinceneil.net. You can view the video below!

“Craig Titus and his wife Kelly Ryan were two of the biggest stars of the bodybuilding world. The duo — he, a Mr. Olympia competitor and she, a fitness champion — won numerous competitions and graced magazine covers. Titus even trained MÖTLEY CRÜE lead singer, Vince Neil, who admits to ’48 Hours Mystery’ that Titus used steroids and injected him with them. And steroids were not Titus’ only drug of choice. These Las Vegas hard bodies were also hard partiers, known for using illegal drugs and painkillers.

“But all that changed on Dec. 14, 2005, when the charred corpse of a young woman was discovered in Ryan’s burned out car on a Las Vegas desert road. The unrecognizable body was initially thought to be Ryan, but authorities were stunned when they arrived to the couple’s house only to be greeted by her at the door. The body was that of their live-in assistant Melissa James. And soon police pieced together the web of fame, sex, drugs and jealousy that ended in this brutal murder, a gruesome cover up and the downfall of a fitness powerhouse.

“Now, in a ’48 Hours Mystery’ exclusive, family, friends, detectives and witnesses each shed light on this shocking story. And, for the first time, shamed bodybuilder Craig Titus tells his side of what happened the night James died, insisting to ’48 Hours Mystery’ that is wasn’t murder. ‘She OD’d. She’d been shooting drugs for days…I never intended to kill Melissa James, murder Melissa James.'”

Watch a trailer for the program below.

“Remaking: Vince Neil” originally premiered in January 2005. Throughout the hour-long special Neil underwent a facelift, worked out with a personal trainer and most importantly, kicked his drinking habit. Following his physical transformation, Neil teamed up with some of the music industry’s top producers to record a new single, “Promise Me”, which was expected to surface on Neil’s new solo album (which, at the time of this writing, has yet to be recorded).

Before Mötley Crüe started their set, the winners of the Rock Band competition performed/played Bang Camaro’s Push Push (Lady Lightning). They screens of the game being played showed up on the giant screens on the left and right hand side of the stage. It had to be cool for these kids to be on stage in front of thousands of people.

Mötley Crüe’s stage opened up with an angelic looking image glowing though the black curtain that kept the stage hidden, this image was followed up with a Devil complete with pitchfork. I don’t think anyone knew what to expect before the curtain dropped.

Mötley Crüe has been known to put on a huge stage production and Cruefest ’08 is no exception. The stage has the huge steel letters Los Angeles in Reverse. The light show and sound were fantastic.

I don’t know how Mick Mars manages to perform to the level he does on stage. His battles with ankylosing spondylitis has him in a lot of pain. Regardless if he is overwhelmed with pain, he plays to the best of his ability. He was great in Cincinnati. He played a bunch of solos including one that he borrowed from Jimi Hendrix. Awesome!

I thought Mötley Crüe as a whole sounded great, and if they didn’t I would gladly say so. My wife didn’t think Vince Neil was singing all the words, but I though he sounded pretty good for the most part. There was a part of “Mother Fucker of the Year“, where he looked like he forgot a lyric. You can see it in the video below. He recovered pretty quickly though.

“Saints of Los Angeles” was pretty cool. The song closed out with the gang vocals of James Michael, Jacob Shaddix, Chris Brown and Josh Todd.

It seems that the Mötley Crüe Tittycam (or Tit E. Cam if you prefer) has taken the place of Tommy Lee’s drum solo which there was none. One of the things you could always count on at a live Motley Crue show was an over the top drum solo by Tommy Lee. I was disappointed that he didn’t do something special this year. This was about my only disappointment with this show.

Motley Crue’s set was great, as was Cruefest’ 08. I can’t wait to see what the Crüe has in store for us on Cruefest ’09! I will definitely be there!

I have included some of my favorite pictures from the Mötley Crüe set, and a couple of video clips as well. Enjoy!

After much too long of a wait, 8 years to be exact, we finally have a new Motley Crue disc with all new material.

It has been far too long since the L.A. bad boys have released any good new material. Their last couple of studio albums have been disappointing in my opinion. I have been hoping that Saints of Los Angeles would put Motley Crue back in form.

So was S.O.L.A. worth the wait?

The opening cut, L.A.M.F., sounds like the band was looking for an epic opening ala, In the Beginning from Shout at the Devil. Sadly, this isn’t it. This track is annoying, and should have been left off of the album.

Face Down in the Dirt is the song that should have led off Saints of Los Angeles. This hard rocking tune is one of the better tracks on S.O.L.A.

What’s It Gonna Take is an o.k. track that feels a little bit like filler to me. It isn’t the worst Crue song I have ever heard, but it is far from their best.

I like the tune, Down at the Whisky pretty well. This song would have fit in well with the Girls, Girls, Girls album.

Chances are you have already heard the title track, Saints of Los Angeles a few times as have I. I liked this tune as soon as I heard it, and still do.

Motherfucker of the Year is pretty much the main lyric of this aptly titled song. The song writing is pretty simple stuff, but Motley Crue makes it work. The content has pretty much guaranteed that this tune will get no radio airplay. I doubt the band cares. I like it.

The Animal in Me is a mid-tempo song that feels like another filler song. It isn’t terrible, but just an average Crue song. It does break up the pace of the record, but that is about it.

Welcome to The Machine is not a Pink Floyd cover song (thank goodness). This hard rocking tune is growing on me with each listen.

Just Another Psycho is one of those songs that you either love or hate. Mick Mars has some cool guitar riffs on this song. The lyrics are kind of silly, but this song is catchy.

Anyone that has read the Nikki Sixx book, The Heroin Diaries, will automatically recognize the song title, Chicks = Trouble. This seems like a quick cash in for Nikki Sixx. Vince Neil makes this song work. This song also sounds as if it would have been home on the Girls, Girls, Girls album.

This Ain’t A Love Song is another tune that is just o.k. This isn’t as good as Sick Love Song from the 2005 Red, White and Crue greatest hits compilation, but it doesn’t suck either.

White Trash Circus has a cool sleazy groove to it. I didn’t like this song at first, but it is definitely another tune that will grow on you.

Goin’ Out Swinging is the song that Motley Crue went back into the studio to record, after the album was finished. This late addition was desperately needed on S.O.L.A. Not only is this one of the better songs on the disc, but it gives the Crue a hard hitting tune to close out the album with.

I played the heck out of this disc while I was on vacation last week. While I don’t think this is Motley Crue’s best work, it is most certainly a return to form for the L.A. hard rockers. For this listener, S.O.L.A. was worth the wait!

Recommended Listening!

You can buy a copy of Motley Crue’s Saints of Los Angeles CD at this link.

Rating:Out of 10

Track Listing:
1. L.A.M.F.
2. Face Down In The Dirt
3. What’s It Gonna Take
4. Down At The Whisky
5. Saints of Los Angeles (Gang Vocal)
6. Motherfucker of the Year
7. The Animal In Me
8. Welcome To The Machine
9. Just Another Psycho
10. Chicks = Trouble
11. This Ain’t A Love Song
12. White Trash Circus
13. Goin’ Out Swingin’

To celebrate the grand opening of the much-anticipated Dr. Feelgood’s Rock Bar and Grill, the owners are inviting the public to a free street party and concert by rock legend, Vince Neil, MÖTLEY CRÜE’s famous front man and a co-owner of the project. The celebration is scheduled to start on Saturday, January 19 at 7:30 p.m. and will take over the 200 block of Clematis Street in Downtown West Palm Beach where fans and Downtown patrons are expected to see Neil and his band perform some of MÖTLEY CRÜE’s most famous tracks. The concert will be followed by a rock-inspired ceremonial ribbon cutting to officially open the new venue.

Named after MÖTLEY CRÜE’s best-selling album, Dr. Feelgood’s will be an attention-grabbing, rock n’ roll-themed restaurant and nightclub located at 219 Clematis Street. The venue, which will initially be open from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. from Tuesday to Thursday and 5 p.m. to 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, is a creative collaboration between Neil, Washington Redskins offensive tackle Todd Wade, former University of Florida quarterback Bob Hewko, and South Florida nightlife visionaries Cleve Mash and Rodney Mayo.

“We strongly believe that Downtown West Palm Beach is the perfect location to launch the first Dr. Feelgood’s,” said co-owner Mash, who has been an instrumental force in bringing Dr. Feelgood’s to life. “The concept is a natural fit for the distinctive feel of the Clematis District and the timing is just right with the revitalization of Downtown and the waterfront and the renewed energy you can feel on the streets.”

Other grand opening week highlights, which are open to the public, include:

The 8,500 sq. ft. Dr. Feelgood’s will feature memorabilia from Neil, including his Count Kustoms choppers and autographed guitars. A giant snake — about eight feet in length (no one wants to get close enough for an accurate measurement) — slithers around a column in the center of the space; booths are covered in faux alligator skin and bar stools in faux snakeskin; dramatic, oversized murals featuring artwork from top ’70s, ’80s and ’90s album covers take center stage on the walls; and the DJ booth is built behind the front end of a ’57 Chevy. The venue features multiple bars, go-go platforms, a raised stage for live performances, high-tech light and sound show capabilities and private booth spaces. Dr. Feelgood’s will have a full menu and complete bar.

Dr. Feelgood’s is part of Clematis Street Live, a new multi-venue entertainment and restaurant complex in the 200 block of Clematis Street. Other projects include Forte di Asprinio, an upscale Italian-inspired eatery by Bravo! Network’s “Top Chef” star Stephen Asprinio; Lost Weekends, a pool hall; Rebar, a NYC loft-style nightclub; and Sushi Rok, a popular Clematis Street mainstay located in the complex.